Winchburgh's inaugural Parkrun at Auldcathie sets two records

It was the highest attendance ever recorded at a Scottish inaugural Parkrun and the busiest in Scotland that day, with an incredible 601 people taking part.

Parkrun is a volunteer-led, 5km challenge that takes place every weekend at locations all over the world – with 68 being held in Scotland alone.

The Saturday morning runs aim to bring together people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds to participate for free as walkers, runners, or volunteers.

Winchburgh Developments Limited has provided the main sponsorship with further contributions provided through the key housebuilders on site.

Cutting the ribbon on the start line, Bo’ness-based Paralympian and world record holding wheelchair racer, Ben Rowlings, said: “It’s amazing to have Parkrun come to Winchburgh and just incredible to see this level of turnout.

"It’s a great way to get people up and active and having the first Winchburgh Parkrun at the start of the year sets an active tone for the rest of the year.

“The new Winchburgh course makes Parkrun even more inclusive. The smooth surface opens the event to users with a variety of disabilities, from wheelchair users to race running frames and visually impaired runners with guides.

“Parkrun is about bringing a community together and getting active regardless of times, speed or disability. Winchburgh Parkrun has the ability to do this in our local area, which is brilliant.”

Winchburgh’s Auldcathie District Park was designed with Parkrun in mind after the community raised the idea during initial consultations in 2018.

It provides a stunning backdrop to the 5km challenge, with award-winning greenspaces on the Union Canal flanked by dense woodland and fully tarmacked cycle and walking routes throughout, providing full access for everyone, including wheelchair users.

Personal trainer and Parkrun event director, Gillian Wells from Winchburgh, has been leading the campaign to secure a Parkrun for Winchburgh.

She said: “This is a really exciting moment for us. My passion is in inspiring people of all ages, shapes and sizes to get moving and Parkrun is the perfect way to achieve this.

"Now more than ever it’s important to encourage one another to look after our mental health and being able to access this free event on the doorstep is invaluable.

"At a time where many are struggling with the stresses from such a difficult pandemic, it’s a fantastic way to come together as a community, while also allowing us to support local businesses who will provide space for conversation and refreshments afterwards.”

Penny Lochhead, community sports and greenspace manager at Winchburgh Developments Limited, praised the volunteers’ efforts.

She said: “This is a fantastic, free weekly event that is going to offer a regular routine for people to get together, get exercising and enjoy this beautiful district park in the process.

"Gillian and her team of volunteers have done an amazing job to bring Parkrun to Winchburgh.

"It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get it over the line and going forward it is a massive commitment to deliver this 5km run every week of the year hopefully for many years to come.

“I’m thrilled all the hard work over the past few years has been worth it and Winchburgh now has a wonderful Parkrun to enjoy every Saturday morning.

"As the community of Winchburgh continues to grow in the next few years, it’s going to be a lovely event to bring everyone together.”

The running route is one of the most accessible Parkrun routes in Scotland.

The broadly flat 2.5km tarmac path is part of a fitness loop that takes runners from the recently opened ‘schools in the park’ education campus and Sports and Wellbeing Hub, down through the park and towards the Union Canal, where it then loops back for a second circuit.

In the next phase of the park’s development another 40 acres of greenspace will be added allowing for a full 5km circuit.

There are toilet facilities at the adjacent Sports and Wellbeing Hub in the car park at the start of the race and there will be hot drinks and treats awaiting the runners at the finish area from local business, Zac & Co.

To find out more about Auldcathie parkrun and to register, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/auldcathiedistrict/course.

Auldcathie District Park is an award-winning 85-acre greenspace. Phase one, which was completed last year, saw 15,000 trees being planted, as well as a growing area run by volunteers producing fresh fruit and vegetables, children’s play park serving the schools on site and a dedicated dog park.

Phase two is set to be constructed and completed over the next two years with a new adventure park, 15,000 more trees and café pavilion. It is an £8 million major regeneration of a former brownfield site, fully funded by Winchburgh Developments Limited.